Many tourists consider hiking the Everest Base Camp path in Nepal to be a memorable lifetime adventure. Even though Everest Base Camp is undoubtedly a popular tourist destination in Nepal, it is still relatively uncrowded compared to overpopulated places like Amsterdam, Paris, or Venice.
It’s not an easy task to hike to the base camp either. While traveling through some of the most breathtaking alpine scenery, one passes through several lovely communities. The length of the Everest Base Camp Trek can range from 9 to 15 days, depending on your route, schedule, and level of acclimatization.
Read this article to get ready for the Everest Base Camp Trek before you go. When it comes to staying safe while hiking the Everest Base Camp Trail in Nepal, planning is essential. This includes organizing your Everest Base Camp budget and itinerary as well as choosing what to pack for the Everest Bad Camp trek.
WHAT IS EVEREST BASE CAMP AND WHERE IS EVEREST BASE CAMP LOCATED?
Any camp at the foot of Mount Everest is referred to as a “Everest Base Camp.” Really, everything is in the name. It’s where climbers start their journey to Mount Everest’s top, to put it more precisely. Mountaineers are frequently observed in Everest Base Camp in April and May as they wait for the ideal weather conditions to begin their trip. The best times to ascend are mid- and late-May.
The aura of the highest peak in the world is felt by more people than simply those who are determined to reach the summit. The trek to Everest Base Camp has earned mythological status all of its own.
In actuality, Mount Everest has two Everest Base Camps, one on each side. When someone mentions “trekking to Everest Base Camp,” they typically refer to South Base Camp in Nepal. Tibet’s North Side Base Camp is accessible only with a Chinese government permit. In addition, a permit is needed to enter Tibet proper. Climbers ascending Mount Everest utilize both base camps; those aiming for the mountain’s southeast ridge use the Nepal Base Camp, while those heading for its northeast ridge use the North Base Camp in Nepal. We’ll concentrate on Nepal’s South Base Camp.
In the country’s northern Solukhumbu District, in the Sagarmatha National Park, is Mount Everest. The Himalayas’ Mahalangur Himal sub-range contains that. The Nepali term for Mount Everest is “Sagarmth.” It wasn’t until 1865 that Mount Everest became known in English. It is credited to the late Sir George Everest, the former British Surveyor General of India. Despite Everest’s reservations, Everest’s successor Andrew Waugh proposed the name to the Royal Geographical Society.
In Everest Base Camp, you’ll meet individuals from all walks of life and from all professions. There is a genuine buzz in the air as people speak in many languages from across the world. The views of the 7,861-meter-tall Nuptse and the 8,516-meter-tall Lhotse are just as dramatic as those of Everest itself, if not more so. Avalanches frequently crash down the mountains nearby.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO TREK TO EVEREST BASE CAMP?
The greatest time to hike to Everest Base Camp is often the pre-monsoon season, aside from the obvious response of “whenever the dog in the above photo is there.” January through May are included. Trekking is the primary alternative during the post-monsoon season which is between September to December. The detectives among you will have already figured out that if you travel between those times, you’ll be trekking during the monsoon season, which is not a smart idea.
You won’t encounter as many tourists on the Everest Base Camp trip if you go in December, January, or February. However, a skilled guide should plan your journey so that you don’t spend much time in crowds. However, because you’ll be hiking during a much cooler season, you might have weather delays. As you travel, many of the teahouses can be closed.
The peak climbing period on Mount Everest typically lasts between 10 and 15 days in May. (or until the monsoons arrive in June). You have a window to visit Everest Base Camp when it will be bustling with climbers trying to reach the summit. For trekkers to Everest Base Camp, May is often the warmest month of the year. The months of September through November are renowned for offering brighter sky and more dependable views of the Himalayas’ breathtaking beauty.
WHAT PERMITS NEEDED FOR EVEREST BASE CAMP?
A permit is required to enter the Sagarmatha region’s protected zone, where Everest Base Camp is located. in fact, two. The first is the recently released, 2,000 NPR Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit. This costs $1 and is good for four weeks and can be obtained in Lukla.
Also available in Monjo or at the Department of National Park and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) counter at Bhrikuti Mandap in Kathmandu is the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit (NPR 3000).
Additionally, you must apply for a TIMS card, which requires two passport-sized photos and a copy of your passport. This is available in Bhrikutimandap’s Tourist Service Center for NPR 1,000 as well as through government-approved trekking businesses in Pokhara and Kathmandu. The expense of obtaining all the permits you require will likely be covered by your trip host’s preparation and application.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO WALK TO EVEREST BASE CAMP AND WHAT’S THE ROUTE?
The journey to Everest Base Camp takes 11 days. Your journey begins with your arrival in Lukla, which is often accomplished after a brief flight from Kathmandu. Therefore, it’s important to keep in mind that you’ll need more than 11 days in Nepal to do it.
Now let’s take a day-by-day look at that journey. If you want to get the most out of your trip, you need to hire a reliable company and competent guide. The maximum amount of time feasible will be spent avoiding circles by good guides. In order to get away from the main crowd, they will also know when to go hiking.
WHAT TO PACK FOR A TRIP TO EVEREST BASE CAMP?
You must be completely prepared to withstand the chilly mountain conditions, the extensive amounts of trekking, and outdoor sleeping before embarking on a trip to Everest Base Camp. It’s likely that your trip host will supply tents, a sleeping pad, and a campfire, but make sure in advance.
Make sure you have a four-season sleeping bag and anything else you might need to stay dry and comfortable, such as lightweight down jackets and waterproof pants. If you’re interested in further information, we’ve produced a complete equipment list for hiking to Everest Base Camp.
It’s important to note that many trips to Everest Base Camp will begin with a short flight. You will need to leave anything that is not necessary behind (at your host’s base in Kathmandu) because the flights out to Lukla Airport have a restriction of 10 kilos for checked baggage and 5 kg for hand luggage. Make sure to bring both a day pack that you can fill with everything you’ll need for the hike that day and a rucksack or duffel that your porter will carry. Anything between 55 and 65 liters should be adequate; any more than that runs the risk of being overly hefty.
TREK DIFFICULTY AND ALTITUDE
The Everest Base Camp expedition will need about six hours of hiking per day. That depends on your pace, of course. Despite being doable without prior mountaineering experience, the trek is not easy. Day two has a difficult climb to reach Namche Bazaar, and day four might be difficult as you get closer to Tengboche’s sacred site.
Still, there’s no reason you shouldn’t be able to make the climb to Everest Base Camp if you’re physically capable, have the right equipment, and the right mentality. It’s not a very difficult climb.
The main worry for many hikers is the altitude and acclimatization of the journey. Most people who are unable to reach Everest Base Camp must go early because of this. Everest Base Camp itself is 5380 meters below Kala Patthar, the highest point on the Everest Base Camp climb, which is 5550 meters. Considering that there would be much less oxygen in the air than at the beginning, this will undoubtedly have an impact on hikers.
In terms of normal trekking preparation for the high altitudes, not much can be done. However, if you go on your trip with a reliable firm that uses professionally educated guides, they will make sure that you acclimate appropriately. It’s important to take your time and use the proper vacation days as necessary. Good guides will be able to take care of you as you climb further up the mountains. Should the worst occur and something go wrong while you are ascending, which is regrettably possible on any high-altitude, lengthy journey, or difficult walk, they will help you get to safety as best they can.